Vendor - Dung and Ngan Nguyen of Nguyen Orchids

If you have ever considered purchasing an orchid, then a visit to the experts at Nguyen Orchids is in order. Having grown orchids for 30 years, Dung Nguyen is a member of both the American Orchid Society and the National Capitol Orchid Society. He and his wife Ngan currently grow orchids in a greenhouse on their property, and they have been selling their plants at the Courthouse Farmers' Market for over 5 years. Nguyen's plants are so sought after that he sells to the U.S. Botanical Gardens and the Smithsonian as well.

Every week Nguyen brings several of the more traditional varieties of orchids to the market. If, however, a customer expresses interest in a variety that he grows but doesn't have at the market that day, Nguyen will certainly honor that customer's request by bringing that orchid to the market the following week. He is continually growing new varieties, and has even produced new hybrid varieties for collectors that are registered in England. Two such hybrids that he created include one named after his daughter, and one named after his late brother. During his 30-plus years of growing, he has won over seventy awards from the American Orchid Society.

Wishing to dispel the misunderstanding on how difficult orchids are to grow, Nguyen would like most of all to "get the word out" on these plants. According to Nguyen, orchids adapt quite easily to their environment, are very hardy, and are quite affordable. Nguyen provides all of his customers with literature on how to grow their orchids and is always available to answer questions that may arise on orchid care. He added that once a buyer realizes just how easy it is to grow orchids, many return for subsequent purchases of different varieties. Nguyen prides himself on the plants he sells and continues to make himself available to his over 10,000 clientele for advice on maintaining these gorgeous plants.